Embassy Press Officer’s reply to a media question on the US, UK and France joint statement regarding the fifth anniversary of the chemical attack in Ghouta, Syria

Embassy Press Officer’s reply to a media question on the US, UK and France joint statement regarding the fifth anniversary of the chemical attack in Ghouta, Syria

Question: How would you comment on the US, UK and France joint statement regarding the fifth anniversary of the chemical attack in Ghouta?

Answer: Regretfully, the three states have issued another baseless statement. Five years have passed after the tragedy, and the international community still has not seen the proof of the Syrian government’s involvement in that incident. Moreover, it is put on a par with the events in Khan Sheikhun, Ltamena, Saraqeb and Douma, despite the fact that they took place after the successful completion of the international operation to remove precursors of chemical weapons from Syria in June 2014. “Assad regime” is blamed for the attack in a traditionally dogmatic manner, although even the US Department of State admitted that the terrorist groups operating in Syria had access to chemical weapons.

It is symptomatic that the mantle of a judge is tried on by the same three countries, which bombed the Syrian territory in April in gross violation of the international law. Moreover, their military action is presented as a model response to the chemical weapons use. The readiness of US, UK and France to “act” in case of its “further use” is also underlined.

We call on the Western countries to refrain from both unsubstantiated statements and military actions. They don’t contribute to the return of peace to Syria. A good alternative path would be to launch an impartial and fair investigation of all incidents to find those responsible, based on collection of meaningful proof in accordance to the universally recognized procedures. London, Washington and Paris could also join the full-scale efforts aimed at Syrian reconstruction, including repatriation of refugees.